1932 Australian Grand Prix

The 1932 Australian Grand Prix was a motor race held at the Phillip Island circuit in Victoria, Australia on 14 March 1932.[1] It was the fifth Australian Grand Prix and the fifth to be held at Phillip Island.[1]

The race was organized by the Light Car Club of Australia, formerly known as the Victorian Light Car Club, and was limited to cars having an engine with a piston displacement of 2000cc or less.[1] It was the first Australian Grand Prix to be decided on a straight handicap basis,[2] with the winner being the first car to complete the 31 laps.[1] The two "scratch" competitors had to concede starts ranging up to 29 minutes, equating to an advantage of four laps.[3] The previous practice of cars contesting four classes was discontinued.[1] Weather conditions were reported to be "ideal".[3]

The race, in which there were 18 starters,[3] was won by Bill Thompson driving a Bugatti.[1] Thompson was also awarded the Herald Trophy for recording the fastest time of the race.[1]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g John Blanden, The 1932 Australian Grand Prix, A History of Australian Grand Prix 1928–39, pages 75 to 90
  2. ^ The official 50-race history of the Australian Grand Prix, 1986, pages 52 to 59
  3. ^ a b c W Thompson's great drive, The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926–1995), Wednesday 23 March 1932, page 2, via trove.nla.gov.au